Director Human Resources Operations

Overview

The Director, HR Operations serves as the senior operational HR leader for Huntsville Hospital, Women & Children's Hospital and associated physician practices and provides leadership for employee relations, workforce operations, compliance, and talent functions in support of organizational priorities. This position partners closely with leaders throughout the organization to address complex workforce challenges, ensure consistent application of policies and practices, and promote a positive and engaged work environment.

The Director leads through managers and specialists and serves as a trusted advisor to operational leaders while collaborating with system Human Resources leaders to support alignment and execution of strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

Employee Relations and Workforce Risk Management

• Provide leadership and oversight for employee relations activities, investigations, corrective action processes, employee appeals and patient grievance allegations.
• Ensure consistent interpretation and application of policies, procedures, and employment practices.
• Partner with legal counsel and internal stakeholders regarding EEOC charges, litigation, subpoenas, and other employment-related matters.
• Support organizational efforts to promote a fair, respectful, and accountable work environment.
• Serve as a resource to leaders in addressing complex employee and workplace issues.
• Promote consistency in employee relations decisions and workforce practices.

Talent Acquisition and Workforce Operations

• Provide leadership and direction to recruitment and workforce operations teams.
• Collaborate with leaders to address staffing challenges and workforce needs.
• Support development and execution of recruitment pipelines, apprenticeship programs, and strategic workforce initiatives.
• Monitor workforce trends and recommend actions to improve recruitment and retention.
• Remove barriers and promote effective workforce planning and staffing processes.

Compliance and Operational Excellence

• Oversee HR-related compliance activities associated with Joint Commission, Department of Public Health, and other regulatory requirements.
• Ensure appropriate administration and documentation of employment practices including the Employee Handbook, and HR Policy and Procedures, and personnel records.
• Partner with HRIS and operational teams to maintain effective HR processes and reporting.
• Support immigration and onboarding compliance activities.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, enhance efficiency, and reduce operational risk.

Leadership Support and Organizational Effectiveness

• Maintain a visible presence throughout the flagship hospital and cultivate strong relationships with leaders and departments.
• Partner with Corporate University and organizational development leaders to support leadership development initiatives and promote participation in key programs. Support leadership development by teaching key courses.
• Participate in selected orientation and leadership development activities to foster relationships with leaders and reinforce organizational culture.
• Assist leaders in addressing employee engagement opportunities and promoting a positive work environment.
• Support change initiatives and organizational priorities

Operational Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop assigned managers and staff.
• Establish priorities and ensure effective execution of HR operational activities.
• Serve as an escalation point for complex workforce matters.
• Build strong relationships with hospital leadership and operational departments.
• Collaborate with system HR leaders to promote alignment and consistency across the organization.
• Support implementation of strategic Human Resources initiatives and organizational priorities.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor''s degree required
• Master''s degree in Human Resources, Healthcare Administration, Business Administration, Nursing Organizational Leadership, or a related field preferred.
• Professional certification in a Human Resources related field strongly encouraged.

Experience

• Progressive leadership experience in human resources, healthcare operations, workforce management, nursing leadership, compliance, employee relations, or related disciplines required.
• Experience leading teams and partnering with leaders in a complex healthcare environment preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, build collaborative relationships, and effectively manage competing priorities.
• Experience addressing complex workforce issues, investigations, employee concerns, regulatory requirements, or other operational challenges preferred.
• Experience supporting organizational change initiatives and driving operational improvement preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• Ability to establish credibility and build trust with leaders, physicians, and employees at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent judgment and problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate sensitive and complex situations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to influence without direct authority and foster collaboration across departments and disciplines.
• Understanding of healthcare operations, regulatory requirements, and workforce practices.
• Ability to balance strategic priorities with operational execution in a fast-paced environment.